How Does Medical Marijuana Help With and Treat Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a pain disorder and the second most common condition that affects the bones and muscles of humans. Even though fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood some of its symptoms include widespread muscle and joint pain, insomnia, the feeling of nervousness as well as general fatigue. This condition is yet to have a cure, although a combination of medications, exercises and a healthy lifestyle may ease the symptoms thereby making it possible for sufferers to live normal lives. The current treatment of fibromyalgia usually takes a multipronged approach which may involve the use of medications, notably over the counter as well as prescription pain relievers and therapy.

However, scientific evidence has continued to mount suggestions that medical marijuana could be used as a safe and effective treatment for several pain conditions, fibromyalgia inclusive. According to a 2018 study on the effectiveness of medical marijuana in the treatment of fibromyalgia, medical cannabis treatment was reported to have had a significant favorable effect on patients with fibromyalgia. Findings from this study further suggested that the use of medical marijuana to treat fibromyalgia had fewer side effects. This study involved 26 participants and all the participants reported a significant improvement after the commencement of medical cannabis treatment. The findings further revealed that 50 percent of the patients stopped taking any other medications for fibromyalgia whereas 30 percent experienced very mild adverse effects.

Also, the results from a 2014 review of research on marijuana for treating fibromyalgia revealed that medical marijuana has the ability of blocking mechanisms of spinal, peripheral as well as gastrointestinal pains. Other similar studies have equally suggested that medical marijuana can significantly reduce pains associated with fibromyalgia, stiffness and lower inflammation.

According to results from a National Pain Foundation Survey of 2014, medical cannabis was found to be a more effective treatment of fibromyalgia than any of the prescribed drugs that were approved by FDA. Findings from a randomized, double-blind placebo test using nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid also indicated an improvement in the symptoms. It was further reported that the medical cannabis treatment was well tolerated by patients.

Another study that was carried out on a different synthetic cannabinoid revealed a significant reduction in pain with no major side effects except for dry mouth. Another study was also carried out in 2012 to find out the prevalence of the use of medical marijuana in people suffering from fibromyalgia. Findings from the study nevertheless suggested that about 13 percent of the participants were using medical marijuana to help alleviate their symptoms.

According to a research that was published via PLOS One, 56 fibromyalgia patients were studied by the researchers. Half of the patients were cannabis users, whereas the other half were not. It was reported that the patients who were cannabis users experienced reduced pain as well as stiffness and equally found it easier to relax when compared to those who were not cannabis users. In addition, the cannabis users scored higher on mental health tests than non-users. The researchers therefore concluded that the use of cannabis was associated with beneficial effects on symptoms of fibromyalgia. The researchers also noted that it was imperative to conduct more research on the usefulness of cannabis in people suffering from fibromyalgia and the involvement of the cannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of this condition.

It is nonetheless possible for fibromyalgia patients to supplement their existing treatment with medical cannabis in a bid to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Of course, there are evidences that indicate that medical cannabis is highly effective in alleviating chronic pain. Besides, it has also been proven that medical cannabis does not carry the same risk of either addiction or overdose when compared to opioid based medication. More so, medical cannabis can stimulate the mind, and wakefulness which are all beneficial traits to people suffering from fibromyalgia. Therefore, it can be argued that even though medical cannabis can’t cure fibromyalgia, it can potentially reduce the severity of the symptoms, especially the pain and fatigue which is associated with the highly misunderstood medical condition.

Another 2014 study pointed out to the fact that more research needs to be done in order to know the long term side effects, as well as the potential risk of either misuse or addiction. However, there are over a hundred strains of medical marijuana that offer pain relief or improved sleep. Strains like Girl Scout Cookies, Blue Dream, Harlequin, Headband, and Blueberry are some of the most effective in combating the symptoms of fibromyalgia than others.

Marijuana strains reported to help with Fibromyalgia:

How To Get Medical Marijuana

If you are a resident of a legal state interested in trying medical marijuana to treat Fibromyalgia or other medical conditions, you will first need to consult with a certified doctor in order to get a medical marijuana card. To get started, simply fill out the MMJ patient registration form, press submit and a physician or clinic representative will contact you as available.

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